Buckeye: A Read with Jenna Pick Audiobook By Patrick Ryan cover art

Buckeye: A Read with Jenna Pick

A Novel

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Buckeye: A Read with Jenna Pick

By: Patrick Ryan
Narrated by: Michael Crouch
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NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • READ WITH JENNA BOOK CLUB PICK AS FEATURED ON TODAY • “A glorious sweep of a novel” (Ann Patchett) that weaves the intimate lives of two midwestern families across generations, from World War II to the late twentieth century.

“Mesmerizing.”—People
“Captivating.”—The New York Times Book Review
“A once-in-a-decade novel . . . I fell in love with these characters.”—Jenna Bush Hager

ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR: The New York Times Book Review, The Washington Post, NPR, People, Minnesota Star Tribune, New York Post, Chicago Public Library

LONGLISTED FOR THE JOYCE CAROL OATES PRIZE

That, as he saw it now, was his life’s work: trying to make right what he’d gotten wrong. Wasn’t that a fair measure of a person, what they did with their mistakes?

In the jubilant aftermath of the Allied victory in Europe, Cal Jenkins, a man wounded not in war but by his inability to serve in it, shares a single, life-altering moment with Margaret Salt, a woman determined to outrun her past. Cal is married to Becky, whose spiritual gifts help the living speak to the dead, while Margaret’s husband, Felix, is serving at sea, believed to be safe—until a telegram suggests otherwise.

What begins as a fleeting transgression becomes a complex secret that irrevocably binds all four of them in unexpected ways. As their small Ohio town remakes itself in the postwar boom, the Salt and Jenkins families remain in each other’s orbit, and the consequences of choices made long ago begin to emerge, reshaping their lives in ways that will forever impact the next generation.

Sweeping yet intimate, resplendent with moments of deep emotion and unforgettable characters, Buckeye is a transportive story of love, loyalty, sacrifice, and forgiveness.

Accolades & Awards

Best of 2025
Most Popular
20th Century Best of 2025 Family Life Genre Fiction Historical Fiction Literary Fiction Marriage Heartfelt War
Beautifully Crafted Saga • Rich Character Development • Historical Authenticity • Emotional Depth • Authentic Voice

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This was an interesting story of the life of two families that become intimately intertwined. the story explicitly values love and forgiveness, but I would add tenacity and endurance to those family values.

characters were interesting

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A realistic map of life. although some of what you read is hard to hear because it’s so close to life you walk away from reading this book with a Claira understanding of how important love and forgiveness is.

Life’s journey

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I wanted to love this book, but I just could not connect with any of the characters and I found all of the storylines to be depressing. I kept waiting for something positive and if it was found it was fleeting. I’m so sorry that I didn’t love this book like everybody else did!

Depressing

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I loved the whole book. Probably a re read for me. Hope to read more from this author.

What you will learn about family, the 60s and redemption.

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I did not want Buckeye to end because the very human, expertly written characters became a family I deeply cared for as they navigated the treacherous time period between World War II and Vietnam. Michael Crouch beautifully gave life to each voice so that I better understood each character. I could feel the depth of their joy, sadness and regret. Buckeye will not be forgotten.

A book not to be missed

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